PolicyBrief
S.RES. 371
119th CongressSep 8th 2025
A resolution honoring the victims and survivors of the mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
SENATE PASSED

This resolution honors the victims and survivors of the August 27, 2025, mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis while commending the bravery of first responders and the resilience of the affected community.

Amy Klobuchar
D

Amy Klobuchar

Senator

MN

LEGISLATION

Senate Resolution Formally Honors Victims and First Responders of Annunciation Church Shooting

This resolution is Congress taking a moment to formally acknowledge and grieve the mass shooting that occurred at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025. This isn't a new law or a funding bill; it’s a non-binding resolution, essentially the Senate issuing an official statement of condemnation, sympathy, and recognition.

Official Condemnation and Sympathy

The core of the resolution is a formal recognition of the tragedy, which sadly resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 21 others. The Senate officially condemns this "senseless act of violence" and offers its "deepest sympathies" to the families and friends affected (Section 1). For the people in the Minneapolis community, this means the federal government is formally validating their pain and loss, rather than letting the tragedy pass unacknowledged.

Praising the Real-Life Heroes

Beyond the condolences, the resolution specifically commends the courage shown during and immediately after the attack. This includes a shout-out to law enforcement, EMTs, hospital workers, and federal officers, as well as the staff at the church and school who acted quickly to protect others (Section 2). This formal praise serves to honor the everyday people—whether they were police officers rushing toward danger or teachers shielding students—who acted heroically under extreme pressure, recognizing their critical role in saving lives.

Standing with the Community and the Big Picture

Finally, the resolution recognizes the immense strength and resilience shown by the Annunciation Catholic Church and School community and all Minnesotans dealing with the aftermath. It expresses hope that the community, and others nationwide scarred by similar gun violence, will find healing through solidarity and faith. This isn't just about Minneapolis; it’s a declaration that violence has "absolutely no place in our communities" and that everyone deserves to feel safe, especially in places of worship and schools (Section 3). While a resolution can't change policy, it sets an important moral tone, affirming federal support for communities struggling with violence and reinforcing the basic principle that schools and churches should be sanctuaries.